Arizona completed the $15 million sale of the closed Marana prison to Management & Training Corporation (MTC) on July 23, 2025, raising questions about whether the facility will soon house Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees. As of August 5, 2025, MTC has not confirmed The Marana prison’s future use, but local officials say it may become an ICE detention center.
Sale Details and Current Status
The Marana prison, located at 12610 W Silverbell Rd, was Arizona’s first private prison. MTC, a Utah-based company, built and ran the facility from the mid-1990s until 2013. The state then bought the prison for $150,000 and continued to contract with MTC to operate it. On December 31, 2023, Governor Katie Hobbs ordered the closure of the Marana prison, citing a shrinking prison population and the need to save money. The closure was expected to save Arizona $15 million between 2024 and 2025.
After the closure, the facility sat mostly empty, with fewer than half its beds filled and about 100 staff members displaced. The state finalized the sale back to MTC on July 23, 2025. The sale agreement, signed on April 30, 2025, included no restrictions on how MTC could use the property. This gives MTC the freedom to negotiate contracts with ICE or other agencies.
Potential Use as an ICE Detention Center
MTC has not made any public promises about the Marana prison’s future. The company only said it would use the facility for “detention purposes” and that no customer or operational details are set. However, Marana Town Manager Terry Rozema reported that MTC told local officials the facility might be used as an ICE detention center. As of late July 2025, there is no official agreement or announcement from ICE or MTC.
ICE’s Phoenix office has not commented on the Marana prison specifically. However, ICE did say it needs more detention space because of increased enforcement and arrests. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this trend is driving private prison companies like MTC to seek new contracts as state prison populations drop.
Community Concerns and Political Debate
The possible use of the Marana prison for immigration detention has sparked debate among local leaders and residents. Some worry about public safety, the lack of community input, and the economic impact on Marana. Others see possible benefits, such as job opportunities if the facility reopens.
Earlier in 2025, State Senator John Kavanagh introduced SB 1294, a bill to lease the Marana prison to the federal government for just $1 per year for immigration detention. The Arizona House rejected the bill on May 1, 2025, after bipartisan opposition and concerns from Marana residents. Representative Rachel Keshel and Representative Kevin Volk opposed the bill, saying local leaders and the community were not consulted.
Governor Katie Hobbs and Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry Director Ryan Thornell supported closing the prison as a way to save money and improve efficiency. They did not support using the facility for immigration detention.
Key Stakeholders and Their Views
- Management & Training Corporation (MTC): Now owns the Marana prison and operates several ICE detention centers across the United States 🇺🇸. MTC has not shared specific plans for Marana.
- Town of Marana: Local officials have been told ICE use is possible but have not received formal notice or been included in legislative talks.
- State Officials: Governor Hobbs and Director Thornell see the closure as a cost-saving move.
- State Legislators: Senator Kavanagh supports using the facility for ICE, while Representatives Keshel and Volk oppose it, citing community concerns.
- ICE: Acknowledges the need for more detention beds but has not confirmed any plans for Marana.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
If the Marana prison becomes an ICE detention center, it could double its capacity from 500 to 1,000 beds, according to Senator Kavanagh. This would likely mean hiring and training new staff. Supporters argue that using the facility for immigration detention would help speed up removals and discourage people from crossing the border without permission. Opponents worry about the impact on Marana’s safety, reputation, and economy.
The sale gives MTC full control over the facility’s future. There are no public step-by-step plans for reopening or repurposing the prison, as MTC has not finalized any contracts or operational details.
Background and Historical Context
The Marana prison has a long history in Arizona. Built and run by MTC in the 1990s, it became the state’s first private prison. Arizona bought the facility in 2013 for $150,000 and kept MTC as the operator. The prison closed at the end of 2023, with the state hoping to save $15 million over two years. The closure left the facility underused and about 100 employees without jobs.
The idea of turning the Marana prison into an ICE detention center is not new. As state prison populations fall, private prison companies like MTC are looking for new ways to use their facilities. ICE’s need for more detention space has made these facilities attractive options.
Future Outlook and Pending Developments
As of August 5, 2025, the Marana prison remains closed. Its future depends on whether MTC and ICE reach an agreement. Any decision to use the facility for immigration detention will likely be announced by MTC or ICE once a contract is signed. Local officials and the media are watching closely for updates.
What This Means for Marana and Arizona
If the Marana prison reopens as an ICE detention center, it could bring jobs back to the area. However, it could also raise concerns about public safety, community identity, and the treatment of detainees. Residents and local leaders want to be included in decisions about the facility’s future.
For those interested in learning more about ICE detention centers and how they operate, the official ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page provides detailed information.
Actionable Takeaways
- Residents: Stay informed by following local news and attending town meetings.
- Job Seekers: Watch for announcements from MTC about hiring if the facility reopens.
- Community Leaders: Continue to advocate for local input in decisions about the prison’s future.
- Policy Watchers: Monitor state and federal actions on immigration detention and private prisons.
The situation at the Marana prison highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, private prisons, and community involvement. As the story develops, all eyes remain on MTC, ICE, and Arizona officials for the next steps.
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